Here & There - 3.20.20
That escalated quickly...again
Here & There? is a weekly-ish email from Kyle Frost about travel, the outdoors, and other stuff. If you’ve enjoyed this issue, please consider forwarding it to a friend. If you’re reading it for the first time, consider subscribing (it’s free!).
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That escalated quickly…again
Since last weeks email, all the ski resorts are closed, CA is on lockdown, the Pacific Crest Trail Association released a statement asking hikers to postpone or cancel thru-hiking plans, and we’re dealing with people “escaping” to the outdoors (and some confusion on how to do that safely right now). National Parks have waived entrance fees — but I’m not really sure that’s a great idea. Many parks are crowded enough to begin with, and shutdown facilities could put a greater stress on the environment (plus, 6ft of separation can be hard on a crowded trail).
I wrote a post on the Outbound this week about ways we can conscientiously and safely continue to enjoy the outdoors right now.
Give it a read: How to Adventure Responsibly in the Time of Covid-19
The Clif Notes:
1. First and foremost, this is not the time for road trips or major travel. We don’t want to risk spreading infection to small towns and rural communities, or stressing health systems with climbing/biking/skiing/etc accidents.⠀
2. We can still get outside, just be smart about it. Minimize your contact with other people (6 ft of space), avoid possible “touchpoints”, and stick to groups that consist of your own household.
3. Listen to local government and medical officials. Wash your hands, practice social distancing, and keep yourself healthy.
4. This will pass. It’s an uncertain time, but your health and that of your community is more important than any summit, ski line, or road trip.
A few random resources
ConvertKit Creator Fund - fund to support freelance creators during this time
Facebook Business Grants - Facebook is offering $100M worth of small business grants
https://hallway.chat/ - a Slack app that schedules random video chat breaks with your co-workers.
https://nowonline.fyi/ - A list of random, fun things on the internet. Links range from online tabletop gaming to free educational courses
Enough heavy stuff.
Huckberry is having a sale, so I made a few quick tongue-in-cheek recommendations for the great indoors. Check it out here.
Cody Townsend released the latest video in his FIFTY series — he’s climbing and skiing the 50 classic descents of North America. The latest is an EPIC descent of the Northwest Couloir on Mt Shuksan. Keep that ski stoke alive.
The Banff Film Festival has cancelled all screenings for this year, but you can still watch some of the films online.
Clear water and dolphins in Venice. DOLPHINS!
And finally, this adorable video of penguins exploring the zoo.
That’s all for now! Stay safe, stay healthy.
As always, feel free to reach out with ideas, feedback, or stuff you think I should talk about via email, Instagram, or Twitter.
The best way to support is always to share :)
Cheers,
Kyle